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Science News Archive August 2021


Page 27 of 38

$1.4 million grant to LSU Health Nursing School will expand access to SANES

The LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing will increase the number of trained and certified SANES in rural and underserved communities in Louisiana with a $1.4 million grant. The program aims to address the high prevalence of sexual assault cases in southeast Louisiana, where 456 reported offenses were recorded in 2019.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Metamaterials research challenges fundamental limits in photonics

Researchers at Cornell University propose a new way to modulate metamaterials' absorptive and refractive qualities in real-time, increasing their effectiveness. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new metamaterials with improved wave absorption and scattering properties.

Through the looking glass: Unravelling how ions move in phosphate glass

A team from Nagoya Institute of Technology has theoretically deciphered the ion diffusion mechanism in phosphate glasses. The study found that the morphology of the phosphate network structure greatly affects ion diffusion, with Q2 phosphate units contributing more strongly to proton diffusion.

Insidious coral killer invading Palmyra Atoll reef

A new study reveals that a corallimorph species is outcompeting stony corals in Palmyra Atoll's reefs, leading to a significant shift in ecosystem dominance. The invading species, closely related to one from Okinawa, Japan, can rapidly monopolize the seafloor and reach 100% cover, posing concerns about irrevocability of this phase shift.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Deletion of single gene promotes growth of functional lymphatic valves

A USF Health study found that deleting a single gene, Foxo1, promotes the growth of functional lymphatic valves in both young and adult mice. This discovery offers a promising early treatment approach for hereditary lymphedema, a chronic condition characterized by fluid accumulation under the skin.

Shark diversity unaffected when the dinosaurs were wiped out

A study published in PLOS Biology found that shark diversity remained relatively constant during the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous period. However, some groups of apex predators suffered selective extinctions, while others increased in diversity after the K-Pg boundary.

Expressive writing reduces relationship conflict and aggression during pandemic

Research from the University of South Florida found that individuals who wrote about their relationship troubles from a neutral observer's point of view had less conflict and aggression with their partner. The study surveyed 716 American adults and asked them to fill out a baseline assessment and then complete a brief writing exercise.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Atomic nuclei and leptons: milestone in the calculation of cross sections

A team of researchers has successfully computed how atomic nuclei of Calcium behave in collisions with electrons, achieving precise theoretical predictions relevant to future neutrino experiments. The new ab initio method allows for the description of scattering on nuclei and leptons, even for heavy elements like Calcium.

Low-power electrical stimulation could aid stroke rehabilitation

Researchers developed subthreshold electrical stimulation to aid brain recovery after a stroke. The technique uses less energy and has fewer side effects than existing methods, showing promise for improving motor function and strengthening connections between brain regions.

Pest attack-order changes plant defenses

Researchers found that when a weevil eats before an aphid, it enhances plant anti-pathogen defense responses, but reduces nutritional quality. In contrast, if the aphid eats first, it reduces anti-pathogen defenses and increases virus spread.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

A winning combination for glycoprotein synthesis

Researchers from Osaka University have demonstrated a rapid and robust chemical method for preparing highly pure glycoproteins. The new synthetic route uses an unprecedented amide bond formation reaction to form a junction between two functional peptides, resulting in a reliable means of synthesizing glycoproteins with little waste of ...

Neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 sugar coat

Researchers identified two lectins, Clec4g and CD209c, that strongly bind to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, blocking viral entry into cells. These findings hold promise for developing robust therapeutic interventions against circulating variants.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Examining correlation between occupational noise, heart disease

A large cross-sectional study in Canada found no association between loud noise exposure and changes in biomarkers for cardiovascular disease or outcomes. However, there were associations found between noise and several biomarkers, but these remained statistically insignificant after adjusting for important variables.

Thesis Prize Winner Targets a Proton Puzzle

Weizhi Xiong's PhD thesis on PRad experiment helped advance the understanding of the proton by measuring its charge radius with precision. The results agreed more closely with the new muonic measurement, but the puzzle persists due to slight differences between electron scattering results.

Researchers discover how to stick sensors to skin without adhesive

Researchers have developed a method to bond human skin to rubber-like polymeric materials without an adhesive, revealing cracks propagate in a very weird way along microchannels. This discovery can explain the variability in macroscale tensometer measurements of skin and has implications for other human tissues.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Striking gold: A pathway to stable, high-activity catalysts from gold nanoclusters

A team of researchers at Tokyo University of Science has developed a stable and highly active photocatalyst from gold nanoclusters. By removing the protective molecules around the nanoclusters, they were able to increase their catalytic activity and stability, opening up new possibilities for hydrogen generation and other applications.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Scientists deploy albatrosses to track plastic pollution

Researchers attached GPS and video cameras to black-footed albatrosses, capturing thousands of video clips across wide swathes of the north Pacific. The imaging showed that debris encountered by the birds included styrofoam, plastic sheets, and fishery netting, suggesting plastic creates a platform for invasive species to spread.

World’s biodiversity maps contain many gaps, Yale study finds

A Yale study has identified significant gaps in biodiversity maps, limiting effective conservation decisions globally. The researchers created regional trends maps to assess the distribution of 31,000 terrestrial vertebrates, highlighting opportunities for citizen scientists and government agencies to support biodiversity monitoring.

Shared antibodies may push COVID-19 variants: VUMC study

Researchers found shared clones of antibody-producing white blood cells among COVID-19 survivors and vaccinated individuals, targeting the viral surface 'spike' protein. This discovery could help design more effective vaccines and therapies against emerging variants.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

How does a flood become a disaster?

Researchers say surprise is a key factor in disastrous river floods, with improved flood warnings and protection measures contributing to declining casualties. Asia is the worst-hit region, with over 125 million people affected annually by such disasters.

Association of myocarditis with mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in children

Researchers investigated myocarditis cases in adolescents after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination and found a significant association. The study used comprehensive cardiac imaging and reviewed the results, highlighting the potential risk of myocarditis in this population.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

USPSTF recommendation on screening for gestational diabetes

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has made a recommendation to screen for gestational diabetes in asymptomatic pregnant women at 24 weeks or later. The organization concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to make a recommendation about screening before this time frame.

Only one human fat cell subtype responds to insulin stimulation

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered three different subtypes of mature fat cells in white adipose tissue, with only one subtype, Adipo PLIN, responding to insulin. The study suggests that changes in this specific subtype may contribute to metabolic diseases like Type 2 diabetes.

Politicians in areas with most climate risk tweet about it least

A Cornell University study found that politicians are more likely to tweet about climate change if they represent wealthy districts or have concerned constituents. In contrast, communities most at risk from climate change are less likely to see their leaders address the issue due to economic constraints and resource disparities.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Tiny ‘maniac’ robots could deliver drugs directly to central nervous system

Researchers develop tiny tumbling robots called MANiACs that can climb slopes and move against fluid flow in the body, delivering substances to neural tissue. The study finds these robots have potential for controlled local delivery in neural diseases, offering targeted treatment with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

Lyme Disease Heightens Risk of Mental Disorders, Suicidality

Patients with Lyme disease have a 28% higher rate of mental disorders and are twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those without the diagnosis. The study reveals that having multiple episodes of Lyme disease is associated with a higher risk of mental health problems, including depression and suicidal behavior.

New solvents to break down plant cellulose for bioethanol

Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed new solvent mixtures containing positive and negative charges to break down plant cellulose for bioethanol production. These solvents are more environmentally friendly and reduce toxicity compared to current methods, enabling the conversion of unused biomass into fuel.

MTU engineers clean up water pollution with sunlight

Michigan Tech researchers developed a model to calculate how particular chemicals break down in surface water using singlet oxygen, which degrades contaminants and helps protect our waterways. The study's findings can aid environmental engineers and scientists in estimating half-lives of chemicals and predicting their degradation rates.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

How snakes got their fangs

Researchers from Flinders University discovered that snakes developed venomous fangs by modifying normal tooth structure, creating a 'dental origami' effect. This evolutionary adaptation allowed snakes to inject venom through deepened wrinkles at the base of their teeth, making them highly potent and deadly.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Consumption of ultraprocessed foods among US kids, teens

A national survey study found that children and teenagers in the US increased their consumption of ultraprocessed foods over two decades. The researchers estimate that the proportion of calories from these foods has risen significantly, posing potential health risks for young people.